Recently, there has been a surge in companies advertising mushroom gummies on instagram. However, many of these products contain Amanita muscaria instead of psilocybin mushrooms. It's essential for consumers to understand the significant differences between these two types of mushrooms and the potential risks associated with Amanita muscaria.
Amanita muscaria mushrooms, known as "fly agaric," are striking with their scarlet red caps. They contain muscimol, ibotenic acid, and muscarine, which can be toxic when consumed raw. Unlike psilocybin mushrooms, Amanita muscaria acts as a deliriant, inducing a dreamlike, sedative state rather than a psychedelic experience. Consumption can lead to extreme sweating, vomiting, and even temporary psychosis if not properly prepared. Moreover, the genus Amanita includes some of the most toxic mushrooms globally, including the deadly Amanita phalloides, known as the "Death Cap."
On the other hand, Mushrooms containing psilocybin, commonly known as "magic mushrooms" or "shrooms," are renowned for their psychoactive properties. Psilocybin, the active compound, transforms into psilocin upon ingestion, producing powerful visualizations and mystical experiences. These mushrooms typically have light tan to off-white caps and white to brown stems, often with a bluish tinge. There are over 200 species of psilocybin-containing mushrooms, with Psilocybe cubensis, particularly the subspecies "Golden Teachers," being highly esteemed for their gentle, guiding effects. Psilocybin mushrooms have a rich history in spiritual and religious rituals and are widely used in the U.S. and Europe.
Real-Life Analogy
To put this into perspective:
Amanita Muscaria: On the other hand, consuming just a few Amanita muscaria caps (each cap weighing about 10-20 grams) could result in severe toxicity or death. This is like consuming a small meal of poisonous mushrooms, which could easily be lethal.
Psilocybin Mushrooms: You would need to consume an amount of psilocybin mushrooms equivalent to eating around 400-1,000 times the average recreational dose to approach lethal toxicity. This is roughly equivalent to consuming around 280-700 grams (10-25 ounces) of dried mushrooms at once.
The safety profile of psilocybin mushrooms is well-documented. The lethal dose for psilocybin is significantly higher than the typical recreational dose, making it relatively safe when used responsibly. In stark contrast, Amanita muscaria's toxicity poses severe risks. To put it into perspective, consuming Amanita muscaria is akin to playing Russian roulette with your health, while psilocybin mushrooms, when used correctly, offer a guided, controlled experience.
Given these stark differences, it's crucial for consumers to buy from trusted sources. Unfortunately, some companies blatantly lie about their products, misleading consumers and putting their health at risk. Trustworthy brands ensure product safety and quality, prioritizing consumer well-being over profit.
